Good agricultural and environmental conditions, abbreviated as GAEC, refers to a set of European Union (EU) standards (described in Annex II of Council Regulation No 1306/2013 defined at national or regional level), aiming to achieve a sustainable agriculture. Keeping land in good agricultural and environmental conditions is directly related to issues such as:
- minimum level of maintenance;
- protection and management of water;
- soil erosion;
- soil organic matter;
- soil structure;
These standards are to be respected by European farmers receiving direct payments or some of the rural development payments.
Further information
Related concepts
- Agri-environmental indicator (AEI)
- Biodiversity
- Common agricultural policy (CAP)
- Farm structure survey (FSS)
- Permanent grassland
- Single payment scheme (SPS)